How Much Does It Cost to Start a Barbershop in Massachusetts?

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Starting a Barbershop in Massachusetts typically costs between $22,500 and $262,500, with a median estimate of $97,500. Massachusetts’s cost of living runs 50% above the national average, which increases commercial rent and labor costs. LLC formation in Massachusetts costs $500 to file. Most barbershop businesses take 2-4 months to launch.

Last updated: March 2026

Barbershop startup costs illustration — typical equipment and setup

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Barbershop in Massachusetts?

Low

$22,500

Medium

$97,500

High

$262,500

National average: $15,000 – $175,000

Interactive Startup Cost Calculator

Startup Cost Calculator

Barbershop in Massachusetts

Budget:

Shop Space Lease & Build-Out

$37,500

Barber Chairs & Equipment

$15,000

Barber Tools & Supplies

$4,500

State License & Business Permits

$1,500

Insurance

$1,725

Booking Software

$1,200

Marketing & Branding

$4,500

Working Capital Reserve

$15,000

Options

Include 3 months working capital

Employees:Just Me1–34–10

One-Time Costs

$80,925

Monthly Costs

First Year Total

$80,925

Full Cost Breakdown

Cost Category	Low	Medium	High	Notes
Shop Space Lease & Build-Out	$7,500	$37,500	$120,000	A 4-chair shop needs 600-1,000 sq ft. Classic barber shop aesthetic (brick, dark wood, vintage chairs) drives repeat visits.
Barber Chairs & Equipment	$4,500	$15,000	$45,000	Takara Belmont and Belvedere barber chairs cost $800-$3,000 each. Vintage chairs from $300-$2,000 resale add character.
Barber Tools & Supplies	$1,500	$4,500	$12,000	Wahl and Andis professional clippers cost $80-$200 each. A complete barber kit runs $500-$1,500.
State License & Business Permits	$300	$1,500	$4,500	Barber licenses require 1,000-1,500 hours of schooling in most states. Establishment license costs $50-$300.
Insurance	$575	$1,725	$4,600	Barber insurance typically costs $500-$1,500/year through ABMP or independent insurers.
Booking Software	$300	$1,200	$4,500	StyleSeat, Booksy, and Squire are popular barbershop-specific booking platforms at $30-$100/month.
Marketing & Branding	$750	$4,500	$15,000	Instagram transformation content and before/after photos are essential for barbershop marketing.
Working Capital Reserve	$4,500	$15,000	$45,000	Barbershops build loyal clientele quickly — most shops reach break-even within 6-12 months.
Total Startup Cost	$19,925	$80,925	$250,600	Required costs only

Licenses & Permits in Massachusetts

General Business License

Massachusetts does not have a statewide general business license, but businesses must register their entity with the Massachusetts Secretary of State (Corporations Division) and register with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue for sales tax and employer tax purposes. Many Massachusetts cities and towns require local business certificates — Boston, Cambridge, Worcester, and other municipalities have their own licensing systems. The state offers a MassTaxConnect portal for tax registration.

Industry-Specific Licenses

Food Establishment Permit — Massachusetts Department of Public Health or Local Board of Health
Cost: $50-$600 • Renewal: Annual
Home Improvement Contractor Registration — Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
Cost: $150 • Renewal: Biennial
Cosmetology Shop License — Massachusetts Board of Registration of Cosmetology
Cost: $50-$200 • Renewal: Biennial
Real Estate Broker License — Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons
Cost: $150-$400 • Renewal: Biennial
Child Care Program License — Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC)
Cost: $100-$400 • Renewal: Annual
Common Victualler License and All Alcohol License — Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission or Local License Authority
Cost: $500-$5,000 • Renewal: Annual
Marijuana Retailer License — Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission
Cost: $5,000-$15,000 • Renewal: Annual
Transportation Network Company License — Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities
Cost: $100-$500 • Renewal: Annual

Home-Based Business Rules

Massachusetts cities and towns regulate home-based businesses through local zoning bylaws. Boston allows home occupations with restrictions on signage, customer visits, employees, and the proportion of home space used for business. Many Massachusetts communities restrict the types of businesses allowed as home occupations. Massachusetts's Chapter 40A amendments have expanded housing-based business opportunities, but commercial regulations vary widely by municipality.

Resources

Monthly Operating Costs

After launch, plan for these ongoing monthly expenses for your Barbershop:

Low

$3,000/mo

Medium

$8,000/mo

High

$20,000/mo

Revenue Potential

Annual Revenue Range

$60,000 – $450,000 (annual)

Profit Margins

15-30%

Break-Even Timeline

6-18 months

How Massachusetts Compares to Neighboring States

Massachusetts is a higher-cost state for starting a Barbershop, with a cost-of-living index of 149.5 (national average is 100). Compared to neighboring New York ($90,350 median startup cost), Massachusetts has higher costs for a Barbershop.

State	Est. Cost	LLC Fee
Massachusetts (current)	$97,500	$500
New York	$90,350	$200
Vermont	$72,800	$125
New Hampshire	$76,050	$102
Rhode Island	$75,400	$150
Connecticut	$77,350	$120

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1
Opening in a location with poor foot traffic — barbershops live on walk-ins plus loyal repeat clients
2
Not building a booking system early — appointment slots are inventory; wasted slots are revenue lost forever
3
Underpricing cuts — $25-$35 for a quality cut is standard; don't race to the bottom
4
Hiring barbers without confirming their state licensure status
5
Not creating a distinct brand and aesthetic that makes clients want to come back and refer friends

Next Steps to Launch Your Barbershop

1
Obtain your Massachusetts barber license from the Massachusetts Board of Barber Examiners before cutting hair
2
Register your Barbershop as an LLC with the Massachusetts Secretary of State ($500 filing fee)
3
Pass the Massachusetts health department inspection for your barbershop — includes sanitation practices and blade sterilization
4
Lease your space and outfit barber chairs, mirrors, back bar, wash stations, and waiting area ($5,000–$20,000)
5
Establish wholesale accounts for clippers, trimmers, barbicide, and grooming product suppliers
6
Get professional liability and general liability insurance for barbershop operations ($1,000–$3,000/year)
7
Set up your booking system — Square Appointments, Booksy, or GlossGenius work well for barbershops
8
Hire licensed barbers — verify all staff hold current Massachusetts barber licenses before their first cut

Frequently Asked Questions

Opening a barbershop costs $15,000 to $175,000. A small 2-chair shop in modest space can open for $15,000-$35,000. A 4-6 chair barbershop with premium aesthetic and equipment typically costs $50,000-$120,000. A high-end flagship barbershop with private suites and full grooming services can reach $175,000.

Barbershop owners earn $40,000-$120,000+ annually. A 4-chair shop with barbers averaging $400/day in cuts grosses $576,000/year. The owner takes 40-50% after paying barber commissions (50-60%), rent, and supplies. Booth rental shops where barbers pay rent have more predictable owner income.

You need a state barbershop establishment license ($50-$300), a business license, and all employed barbers must hold valid state barber licenses. Barber licenses require 1,000-1,500 hours of education at a licensed barber school plus a state licensing exam.

Booth rental ($200-$500/week per chair) provides predictable owner income regardless of individual barber performance. Commission (40-50% to barbers) rewards high performers but leaves owner income variable. Most shops start with commission to control quality, then offer booth rental to top performers who want independence.

A skilled barber sees 10-15 clients per 8-hour day, averaging 30-40 minutes per cut. At $35/cut with 12 clients/day, one barber generates $420/day or $100,000+/year. A 4-barber shop can generate $400,000+/year in gross revenue.

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Start a Barbershop in Other States

See the national overview for Barbershop or browse all businesses you can start in Massachusetts.